Get a Life!: Get in the Loop

Some of you may be checking Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter or chatting on gmail.  And some of you may not.  But chances are that few will chat about working for government on those social networks.   

Connecting the government community in conversation is the purpose of a new social network, GovLoop.  GovLoop’s founder, Steve Ressler, is also one of the founders of Young Government Leaders and an information technology professional.

 “Conversations on other online sites don’t continue very much and are not a great resource for diving in and really talking with another one.  Facebook walks a fine line between personal and work space.  Not a great place to have a conversation about government,” Ressler said.

Ressler is hoping that thought leaders join the conversation at GovLoop as it becomes a hub for people to get helpful information and share ideas.  “There’s a ton of brilliant people in government, academia, industry, who want to contribute and are innovative and want to implement change. Younger workers have skillsets to share with the older generation and vice versa,” he said.  

Among those blogging on the site is his dad, John Ressler, who retired as senior executive from IRS operations.  He is sharing some of the 50 rules of management he’s learned during his career.  

Among perceptive topics initiated by members is one asking how a transition to a new Administration works.  That’s a great question for mentoring.  Those who have lived and worked through past transitions should have much to share.  

In a way, GovLoop is so government – wonkish (providing research and resources), reflective, serious in intent and all to the good.  If something a bit more irreverent is what you need, another Web site Oh My Gov!  is a humorous place to blog, catch some news, and if you are so inclined, tell all about government.
 
OhMyGov! describes its mission as “cultivating change through the spread of information and ideas, the use of innovative online tools, and the strategic deployment of satire and wit.”  A fed, government contractor, and journalist founded it.  

Finally, it's not quite a social network, but you can also get a life and comment (anonymously) on anything you want right here at this blog, too. 

 

Posted on Jul 29, 2008 at 9:15 AM